January 16, 2012

 

Scotland's dairy herds show decrease

 

 

Scotland's number of dairy herds fell by 24 to a total of 1,027 last year as revealed by the latest statistics published by the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association (SDCA).

 

However, actual cow numbers rose by 1,046 to 162,952, taking the average herd size to 159 cows and 185 cows in officially milk recorded herds.

 

The county with the largest loss of herds was Lanarkshire down eight to 127 herds, but it was in the dairying areas of the south and south west of Scotland where optimism was showing. The counties of Dumfriesshire, Kirkcudbrightshire and Wigtownshire averaged no reduction in herds but increased cow numbers by 3,029.

 

The largest loss in cow numbers was in the north east of Scotland, Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Roxburghshire.

 

According to the most recent Defra (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) figures, the average UK farm-gate price for milk stood at GBP0.293 (US$0.45) per litre in November, the highest on record. This was a GBP0.003 (US$0.005) per litre (1%) increase on the October average price. Annual comparisons show a GBP0.031 (US$0.05) per litre (12%) increase on year.

 

Commenting on the yearly results, Janette Mathie, Secretary of the SDCA said: "The general pattern of fewer herds and larger cow numbers continues with huge, long term investment on many farms for new high-tech milking parlours and cow accommodation offering the greatest comfort."

 

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart had 57 prime cattle forward in Dumfries on Wednesday. Heifers sold to GBP2.155 (US$3.30) per kilogramme and averaged GBP1.989 (US$3.04), while bullocks peaked at GBP2.055 (US$3.14) and levelled at GBP1.962 (US$3). Five dairy-bred bulls sold to GBP1.705 (US$2.61), GBP1.675 (US$2.56) and GBP1.525 (US$2.33).

 

There were 98 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring with beef cows averaging GBP1.262 (US$1.93), while dairy cows levelled at GBP1.023 (US$1.57).

 

The firm also sold 907 prime hogs to a top of GBP92 (US$141) per head and GBP2.22 (US$3.40) per kilogramme to average GBP1.99 (US$3.05). Export weight hogs met keen competition while those over 44 kilogramme were harder to sell.

 

The 407 cast sheep forward were every bit as dear as previous weeks, with ewes selling to GBP121.50 (US$186) for Texels and GBP67.50 (US$103.3) for Blackfaces.

 

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1254 prime hogs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of GBP100 (US$153) per head and GBP2.20 (US$3.4) per kilogramme to average GBP1.946 (US$2.98).

 

There were also 403 cast sheep forward with ewes selling to GBP117 (US$179) for Texels and GBP68 (US$104) for Blackfaces.